UK's leading jazz label unveils its new star

Candid Records is very proud to announce the signing of a vocal superstar, the remarkably talented Jacqui Dankworth.

Most latterly seen as the key component of the Field of Blue project alongside Harvey Brough, Jacqui has worked on a highly impressive range of projects, including recent collaborations with bassist brother Alec Dankworth, Tim Garland, Gerard Presencer, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, a national tour with the Brodsky Quartet and the all-female group The Passion.

Miss Dankworth's incomparable vocal skills are complimented by her reputation as a highly talented actress, having worked for several years with the Royal Shakespeare Company and at the National Theatre as well as taking many leading roles in the West End and on film.

Jacqui's vocal style moves effortlessly between jazz, blues, folk and pop and as such she slots nicely into CANDID's burgeoning position as a market leader in music catering for the developing mainstream 'jazz to pop' sector.

"I'm delighted to have the chance to work with Jacqui," says CANDID CEO Alan Bates. "Blessed without doubt with the most outstanding voice in her field, Jacqui has been scandalously underexposed on record. At CANDID we will be making sure that her unique talents finally receive the exposure and recognition they so richly deserve."

And Jacqui says "When I first me Alan Bates, I knew it was the right decision for me to sign for Candid. Not only has he got a wealth of experience and knowledge of the music business, but he is genuinely passionate about music - a rare combination for a head of a record company these days. I feel I am in safe hands and am looking forward to working with a very capable team. I'm extremely excited about the next stage of my career."

CANDID is renowned for both its catalogue of seminal discs by the likes of Charles Mingus, Max Roach and Abbey Lincoln, but also for being a hotbed of new talent. Jacqui joins the likes of Stacey Kent, Clare Teal, Jamie Cullum and Nelli Rees who are all signed to the label.

Miss Dankworth's debut CANDID album will be released in June. It features not only brother Alec on bass, but also great contributions from Mike Outram on guitar and Roy Dodds on drums. Its an intensely personal album. 'An intimate and soulful landscape of love songs, late night listening for lovers, romantics or just plain music lovers'

Jacqui Dankworth garners rave reviews wherever she appears, and below are just a few to whet your appetite:

"One of our finest singers regardless of category. What a voice it is: confident, clear, with conspicuously English enunciation and an irresistible lower register." - The Times

"...Jacqueline is a versatile talent...an arresting marriage of words and music. Dankworth's nuanced, husky voice wanders far and wide through the rest of the program. It makes for a quiet, intimate set that is as intelligent as it is soulful." - The Sunday Times

"She could charm even the most dogmatic jazz buff...anyone who has heard her singing Ellington or jazz standards could have easily recognised the warm voice and full-hearted approach." - The Observer

"What a voice it is: confident, clear, with conspicuously English enunciation and an irresistible lower register." - The Times

"...Ms. Dankworth must be considered one of the finest crossover singers around." - John Button

"Jacqueline has a superb voice. Though it has the same earthy overtones as her famous mother's voice, in all other respects it is individual and exciting..." - The Dominion

"Well the name Dankworth doesn't necessarily mean John and Cleo anymore because Jacqueline is a wonderful performer in her own right." - Kaleidoscope, BBC Radio 4

"We are proud to be able to put on an artist of the class of Jacqueline Dankworth at the Trades Club. She is a stunning performer whose glorious, heartfelt singing makes a lasting impact on those who hear her." - Trades Club manager, David Perry (as quoted in Hebden Bridge Times)